All the biggest events coming to Hastings, Battle, Bexhill and Rye in 2020

Events in January

Holocaust Memorial Day- . The day, which gives people of all ages the chance to reflect on the horrors of the holocaust, will start at 10.30am on January 25, at St Mary in the Castle. This year’s theme is “stand together” and will include performances from the Acromax performance group, the St Richard’s College Catholic College choir and dancers and more. To find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day, read our article on its announcement.

Events in February

Hastings Fat Tuesday- The biggest mardi gras in the UK will be showcasing Hastings’ vibrant music scene from February 21-25 at a variety of venues across town. Singer-Songwriter Baxter Dury will headline the four day event which, alongside plenty of music, will also include parties, dress-up tours, artistic exhibitions and the always-popular Umbrella Parade. For more information about acts, venues, dates and tickets, click here.

Rye Scallop week- Scallops will be back on the menu come February as Rye celebrates its seasonal delight with the Rye Scallop week festival. Starting on February 22 and ending on March 1, the week is the perfect chance to sample the seaside delicacy. Alongside scallop-themed specials in a variety of restaurants across the town, there will also be demonstrations, tasting events, cookery schools, live music and more. To find out more about Scallop week, visit their website.

Events in March

The Hastings Half Run- a 13.1 mile route through the town and seafront, this challenging run attracts athletes from all over the country. The Marathon starts and finishes on the seafront on March 29. Click here to sign up and find out more about the route.

Events in April

Hastings Beatles Day- Celebrate one of the best bands in history with a day of live music and tribute acts on April 5 from 12pm to 10.30 pm at the White Rock Theatre. If you and your band can play a convincing Hey Jude, or if you fancy dusting off your Yellow Submarine and listening to the music, click here to register a band or buy tickets.

Events in May

Jack in The Green- though this traditional festival usually takes place on the Mayday Bank Holiday (Monday 4 May), things have changed this year thanks to VE day celebrations the following friday. Jack in the Green will still take place over what would be mayday weekend, however (May 1-3), but the procession which would usually be on Bank Holiday Monday has been moved forward to May 3. Visitors can expect a lively weekend of include morris dancing, live music and plenty of bizarre dress-up, as well as the always-spectacular Jack in the Green Parade, which will see the procession releasing the spirit of Summer with a ritualistic slaying of the Jack. To find out more and keep an eye on the event, click here.

The VE Day run- usually called the Mayday run, this free-to-attend biker rally has dubbed itself the VE day run in order to reflect the shift in the mayday bank holiday date from May 4 to May 8. The change in date aside, expect the traditional ride from Locksbottom to Hastings to go on as usual. More details are to be announced later in the year. Visit the Mayday run website to find out more and register.

Events in June

Hastings Fringe Comedy Festival 2020- venues all over Hastings will play host to up-and-coming comics from across the country later this year. Now in its fifth year, the festival starts on June 10 and finishes on June 14. To find out more, nab some early tickets or even register as an act, visit their website.

1066 Cycling Festival- This cycling festival promises to bring all things bike to Bexhill and Hastings in June. On June 20, the festival will stop off in Hastings, between the pier and source park. The day after, on June 21, it will come to the Metropole Lawns by the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. To find out more, click here.

Events in July

Hastings Beer and Music Festival- A great way to kickstart the month of July, this festival is a winning showcase for all the best booze and music in 1066 country. Opening at The Oval on July 1 and finishing on July 6, all proceeds from the event go to nearby charities. To book tickets and find out more, visit the Hastings Beer and Music festival website.

St Leonards festival- two straight days of street arts, festival markets, bands, music, performance and parades from July 10 to July 11. To find out more about the festival, visit their website.

Bexhill Carnival- one of the longest running and most popular events in town, the Bexhill carnival features everything from dog shows, football games and live performances to a fully fledged procession through the town centre. No dates have been confirmed for this year’s carnival yet, but last year’s took place between July 20 and July 27. To keep tabs on this year’s event, visit the Bexhill Carnival website.

Old Town Carnival week- starting on July 31 and going on until August 8, the Old Town Carnival Week is an excellent chance to celebrate 1066 country’s heritage and history. Pram races, treasure trails, street parties and historical talks all culminate in a Grand Carnival Procession in one of the biggest events of the year. To find out more about the programme, click here.

Events in August